Requiem: a reimagining of Mozart’s masterpiece is coming to Leeds this week
Conceived during the pandemic and brought to the stage for LEEDS2023, Opera North's Requiem pairs Mozart’s mysterious, timeless work with a brand-new composition from South African composer Neo Muyanga.
Leeds' own Opera North and Phoenix Dance Theatre have collaborated with South African partners Jazzart Dance Theatre and Cape Town Opera on Requiem, a powerful double bill of contemporary dance performed to choral and orchestral music.
If you've been looking for an excuse to get yourself down to Leeds Grand Theatre and immersed in a passionate, transformative live experience, this is the perfect chance.
Mozart’s famous Requiem actually features (if legend is to be believed) the last eight bars of music he ever wrote – fittingly for a composition that takes its name from the prayer, ‘Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine’: ‘Grant them eternal rest, Lord’.
Vuyelwa Phota from Jazzart Dance Theatre in rehearsal for Requiem. / Image: Tom Arber
Over the 200 years since then, the Requiem has become its own genre. Huge names like Andrew Lloyd Webber have created their own versions, responding to the needs of each generation to think about and commemorate life and death.
Conceived during the pandemic and brought to the stage for LEEDS2023, Opera North's Requiem pairs Mozart’s mysterious, timeless work with a brand-new composition from South African composer Neo Muyanga.
Inspired by a recent custom in his country of gathering to celebrate the life of the deceased with loud, vibrant dance music, After Tears: After a Requiem is full of the colour and rhythms of the townships: a joyous, extroverted complement to Mozart’s work of remembrance. Neo calls it “a cleansing ceremony… a rallying call for individuals to work collectively, with empathy, to rebuild after a period of distress and loss”.
Choreographer Dane Hurst works with the Chorus of Opera North in rehearsal for Requiem. / Image: Tom Arber
Both pieces feature the might of the full Orchestra of Opera North in the pit and – onstage among the dancers – the 36 singers of the Chorus of Opera North. Dane Hurst, who choreographed both works, explains that he “tried to see how the body could convey the enormity of loss, grief and sadness felt and experienced by millions of people who have lost those dearest to them."
Whether you're familiar with music and dance or looking for an introduction to both art forms from world-class companies from Leeds and across the globe, Requiem's combination of movement, music and collective emotion promises a unique experience that’s unlikely to be repeated any time soon.
The full performance schedule is as followed:
Friday 26 May 2023 from 7pm at Leeds Grand Theatre (tickets here)
Tuesday 30 May 2023 from 7pm at Leeds Grand Theatre (tickets here)
Thursday 1 June 2023 from 7pm at Leeds Grand Theatre (tickets here)
Saturday 3 June 2023 from 7pm at Leeds Grand Theatre (tickets here)
Sunday 4 June 2023 from 2.30pm at Leeds Grand Theatre (tickets here)
How to get tickets
Ticket prices range from just £10, with a host of exciting offers to explore.
If you're aged 16-20 can access completely free tickets and the Under 30 Membership gives you discounted rate for £10 tickets.
Opera North’s Try It ON scheme is the perfect opportunity to delve into the world of opera – and gives you two fantastic seats for Requiem, along with a tote bag filled with goodies and exclusive offers, it's ideal for first timers to test out the wonderful world of opera.
Hannah McGlashon from Phoenix and Abigail Overmeyer from Jazzart in rehearsal for Requiem. / Image: Tom Arber
A popular package holiday company has launched a new ‘Beckham Clause’ to help protect feuding families.
It's official… family fallouts are now holiday-proof, thanks to a new ‘Beckham Clause’ that’s been launched by a Manchester-based travel company On The Beach in the wake of the ongoing – and at this point, inescapable – Beckham family feud.
In case you need bringing up to speed, then allow us to (briefly) sum up the Beckham family drama for you as best as possible.
Basically, at the centre of this discourse the eldest Beckham child, Brooklyn, his wife Nicola Peltz, and primarily his mum Victoria, although as the months have gone on, it appears there’s no member of the Beckham family that isn’t somewhat involved (okay, maybe not Harper… well at least not publicly, anyway).
Image: Natalya Zaritskaya (via Unsplash)
Earlier this month, it was reported that Brooklyn had become estranged from his family, and had told his parents to contact him only through lawyers.
And then yesterday, of course, Brooklyn publicly spoke out about the accusations on his Instagram Stories for the first time ever… and all hell broke loose in the celebrity news world.
On the Beach’s new clause – officially titled the Family Fallout Refund, and already nicknamed the ‘Beckham Clause’ by bosses – aims to give holidaymakers peace of mind that no matter how messy things get at home, their getaway won’t suffer, as it applies to family holidays where one member suddenly drops out due to a feud, argument, or full-blown emotional meltdown.
Under the new policy, if a family member pulls out before departure, their share of the hotel booking will be refunded rather than leaving the rest of the group to foot the bill.
Family fallouts aren’t just limited to celebrities, every year hundreds of holiday bookings need amending due to feuds, On The Beach said, which is why it’s chosen to launch the new refund scheme.
“We love family holidays, but we’re also very aware that family fallouts cam hamper plans,” explained Zoe Harris, who is the Chief Customer Officer at On the Beach.
“The ‘Beckham Clause’ is there for those moments when someone decides they’d rather cool off at home than by the pool.
“Our new perk means that if a family feud takes place and one person drops out, the rest of the group can still head off, relax, and enjoy the holiday they were looking forward to.”
The Family Fallout Refund is available on family holidays with five or more people, and needs to be claimed at least 60 days before departure.
It applies to new and existing bookings departing on or before 31 August 2026.
Three-acre padel court development set to move into historic Leeds landmark
Clementine Hall
Leeds-based Ollo Padel have revealed plans for a new three-acre padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse.
It seems like padel is taking over the world at the moment, and it's about to take over Leeds.
Three years after the plans were first put forward, Ollo Padel is set to bring a state-of-the-art padel and leisure centre to the outskirts of the city centre.
The Roundhouse is a Grade II listed Victorian landmark that first opened in 1847 and will be brought back to everyday use as a community-led space before the end of 2026.
Image: Supplied
The new space will feature five covered and four open courts, alongside hospitality and social spaces, retail space, fitness studios, gyms and more.
Being a Leeds-based company, Ollo Padel are working to put Leeds’ communities at the heart of the new centre, with plans for free school coaching lessons, school partnerships, inclusive programmes for women and juniors and focusing on providing a non-intimidating environment for all-ages and abilities.
The development is expected to create 14 permanent on-site roles, spanning coaching, front-of-house, hospitality and operations, with a strong commitment to local recruitment.
Image: Supplied
Will Linley, Co-Founder (Founder of Linley & Simpson) said: “These proposals focus on sensitively bringing one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings back to life — restoring the Roundhouse and creating a place people can enjoy, feel proud of and use as part of everyday city life.
“Padel is a brilliant way to bring people together. We’re designing Ollo around the social side of the sport — creating a place that supports both physical and mental wellbeing through movement, play and connection”
Luke Gidney, Founder, Ollo Padel said: “We are so excited about the opportunity to create this centre for Leeds. We’re still at an early stage, and that really matters to us, because it means local residents, businesses and community groups can help shape the plans. We want to listen, learn and make sure the Roundhouse works day to day for the people around it.”
Sophie Smith -
23rd May 2023 
